Historically the independent music industry has been limited to mainly rock and rap music, with the number of independent rap and rock musicians increasing every year, it is interesting to note that the latest in rap and rock is usually from the indie music scene. The indie music industry was originally supposed to be a clear demarcation between major recording companies and the ?rest of the music industry?. Traditionally, independent recording labels were run by two or three people that had either converted their garages or a room in their homes into a recording studio. However the lines have now blurred and indie record labels are now equally, if not more commercially oriented as their larger counterparts.

Usually an indie music group or indie artist has an important role to play in the development of an indie music company. Indie artists are usually a part of the indie recording company that produces their music; in fact most bands usually form their own recording labels to distribute and record music. The truth is, unlike major record companies that have already withstood the test of time, indie music companies are just getting ready to face the various trials and tribulations that await them. What is truly fascinating is that not all indie music labels actually shut down because of lack of funds; record labels like Sarah Records actually closed their operations because they felt they had achieved their mission of promoting independent music.

Often independent music labels are bought out by major record labels, once this happens indie record labels are by and large left to ?do their own thing? but they are definitely more commercial in their interests. Today the independent music industry is kept alive by DJs, rap musicians and upcoming rock bands. In fact the indie music equivalent of the US music industry is termed as ?underground music? and is made up of DJs remixing popular tracks, and by upcoming rappers. A large number of popular rappers today have all released their music on the underground music scene, and it is not uncommon for rap artists to never release music they released on the underground music scene for commercial or large scale purposes. The underground music scene was responsible for the development of punk rock, hip hop, hardcore rock and psychedelic music. Today the underground music scene is by and large restricted to rap music and other experimental music. Another result of indie music development is Reggaeton music.

What the next big music development or new genre of music will be, no one knows. But like most major record labels today, it is prudent to keep a close eye on the indie music scene. There are plenty of stories of independent artists and independent recording companies making it big. It is only a matter of time before another popular artist makes it to main stream commercial music from the indie music scene. In fact it is only a matter of time before a new genre of music comes from indie music. What will indie music produce next? Everyone is watching.